A change in formation saw co-manager McKnight make his first league start in several months, in a 4-1-4-1 shape. And it was the midfield who were to come out on top in the scoring charts on the day. McKnight himself broke the deadlock in under ten minutes, when the ball broke to him 25 yards out. His low shot bounced just in front of the keeper, who misjudged his dive and allowed it to bounce over his hands. A McKnight free kick five minutes later saw the lead doubled; MacKenzie’s knock down fell for full back Nickyray Watson, who arrived at the back post in time to nick the ball over the keeper and into the corner for his first ever FPC goal.
The FPC two-goal half time lead slightly flattered the hosts, but the Motherwell side got into their stride from the re-start thanks to excellent deliveries and MacKenzie’s first class striking instinct. He was first to react to Fox’s curled cross from the edge of the box in 53 minutes, arriving late at the back post to slide home the third. Less than three minutes afterwards, a powerful Galloway corner found MacKenzie towering above the defence to bullet a header into the postage stamp.
Fox had played well in stages throughout the match, but had been unhappy with his own contribution despite a fine assist. This became clear when, just after he was substituted, he took off his boots and ran towards the nearly boating pond to hurl them into the water in disgust, ensuring his next outing will be after a visit to JJB.
Back on dry land, his replacement Hendrie decided height wasn’t a factor on 77 minutes, making sure he was first to Totten’s cross from the right to fire home another header. Scoring was rounded off a few minutes later, Hendrie turning provider to float in a great ball under pressure at the right corner flag, where Tonner had time to guide a looping header high over the keeper at the back post from 12 yards. Clark in the FPC goals had time to make an excellent stop from a rare Raith Rovers chance, to help earn the back four a fully deserved clean sheet in a fine team performance.
Raith Rovers 0 - 6 Fir Park Corner (IFA Scottish League 7/4/12)